Testimonials

Testimonials

Select a group to view:

Annie G., Children’s Experiences Recreational Coordinator

Company Name: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

BLUE for Kids Hospital Program

On behalf of all the Children’s Experiences departments at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work in providing a wonderful special event for the patients and families to enjoy. It was phenomenal to see all the umpires interacting and spending quality time with the children throughout the event. The children and families appreciated your time and really enjoyed themselves. We are already looking forward to next year’s event!! Thank you so much for an amazing day!

Coree P., Certified Child Life Specialist

Company Name: Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children

BLUE for Kids Hospital Program

Thank you! The event was a success and our kiddos and families are still talking about it…. Thank you for helping coordinate such a wonderful event. It was great working with you and I hope we can do this again!

Melissa P.

Company Name: Mother of patient at Boston Children’s Hospital

BLUE for Kids Hospital Program

My son Jack was one of the lucky children to get a visit from UMPS CARE at Boston Children’s yesterday…Wanted to share this extreme act of kindness. As Mark Carlson was walking out of Jack's hospital room, he noticed Marks's Oakley sunglasses. He asked Mark what kind they were and where he had bought them? He told him that he has been saving for a pair. (Jack plays outfield and felt he needed sunglasses, but only Oakley's would do, but Mom and Dad weren't buying $200 glasses for a 11 yr old so he decided to do it himself) Mark took the glasses out of his pocket, handed them to Jack and said "Tell ya what...you can have these!" The look on Jack's face I will never forget, shock, tears, happiness. Jack said "Are you sure?" Mark told him to keep them that it was his pleasure. Wanted your organization and Mark Carlson to know, what a priceless moment you/he bestowed upon my son. Saying thank you isn't even enough, but thank you!!

Don L.

Company Name: Father of patient at St. Louis Children’s Hospital

BLUE for Kids Hospital Program

My son is currently in Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, awaiting a Bone Marrow Transplant. My wife informed me today that some of the umpires for tonight’s Cardinals game came by Children’s and were passing out Build A Bears.
Please pass along our heartfelt “Thanks!” to those that organized this visit, and to the umpires for giving their time. It made Andrew’s day!

Company Name: University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital

BLUE for Kids Hospital Program

On behalf of the Child Life and Family Education Program at the University of Chicago Comer Children’s hospital, we would like to extend a huge thank you for coming to Comer and sharing a day with our patients and families.
The annual visit from UMPS CARE stands out as one of the most anticipated events we host each year! You did a fantastic job of engaging patients in conversation while you dressed their new stuffed animals and were gracious with your time throughout the visit. The UMPS CARE stress baseballs are especially a hit with out teens and have become a must-have item on several units to help patients remain calm during procedures.
We were delighted to host you for this year’s visit and look forward to visits from UMPS CARE in the future.

Bill J.

Company Name: Big Brother from BBBS Puget Sound

BLUE Crew Ticket Program

I would like to say a huge thank you on behalf of my Little Brother, Henry Brebberman, and me for the amazing hospitality that your organization provided to us…at the Seattle Mariners game. We received complimentary tickets to the game but by far the best part was the genuine welcome we received from two of your umpires. What an impression that made on me and especially on Henry.
Henry and I have been matched through Big Brothers Big Sisters for 5 years and this was the highlight of our activities together. BBBS is a great program and with the support of groups like yours we are able to make it even more special.
By the way, Henry is a great athlete and aspires to be either a professional baseball or basketball player. What an impression you made, so please pass along our thanks to the umpires.

Emily H.

Company Name: Big Sister from BBBS of Colorado

BLUE Crew Ticket Program

Thanks so much for the Colorado Rockies tickets and VIP treatment for me and my Little Sister Na'Tajah. I appreciate your support of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and it's so cool that you are able to provide special opportunities like this. We had a really great time! It was Na'Tajah's first Rockies game, and folks kept teasing her about not expecting this type of VIP treatment each time.

Rhonda W.

Company Name: Recruiter, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids

BLUE Crew Ticket Program

Thank you so much for making this a very special day. The youths, though quiet and shy, became very animated and excited during the course of the day. The weather was great and we sat in a very "fan-fun" and enthusiastic section! The umpires went far and beyond to be engaging and their efforts were greatly appreciated.

Officer Dixon

Company Name: Representative, Most Valuable Kids

BLUE Crew Ticket Program

I just wanted to take the time out of my policing duties to say thank you for yesterday’s game day experience…After the game I asked the kids what they enjoyed the most: They all said the umps. I said "really?" and one of my explorers said "yea, I mean it was nice to see Davis hit his 45th homerun and the O's won but the Umps were really cool. They truly cared about us and wanted to hang out with us." My kids are very perceptive and for all of them to feel that way speaks volumes of the umpires.
I know that Darling and Emmel were 2 of the 4 and I can't thank them enough. One of our kids plays HS baseball and was in awe of being on the field. He had a funny line he said "Officer Dixon, I used to think that people disliked umps more than cops but I don't think so any more." I'm still laughing about that.

Jason K.

Company Name: Big Brother from BBBS Puget Sound

BLUE Crew Ticket Program

I wanted to extend my gratitude once again for making the visit with the umps possible. Sam, Darius and I had a great time meeting everyone, going on the tour, seeing the locker room & press room, and watching the game (our seats were amazing and it was great to see a win!). I know that it is an experience that all of us will remember. I’ve attached the picture taken in the press room.
Please pass on our appreciation to Marvin, Hal and Tim; it was great to hear their stories about what it is like to be an MLB ump. If I remember correctly Hal was saying it was his first MLB game behind home plate, it was well called!”

Gloria B.

Company Name: Recruiter, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids

BLUE Crew Ticket Program

I am writing to tell you that this year’s Umps Care event was a fantastic success!
We attended the Philadelphia Phillies VS. New York Mets game on July 20, 2013. There were four children and none of them had ever attended a major league baseball game; so you can imagine their surprise and wonderment when we all stepped out onto the field for a photo with the Umpire, Mark Wegner. Despite the record heat, the day was picture perfect and the seats were amazing. We all enjoyed the goody bags and generous portions of chicken strips and French fries, complements of the Umps as well. Thank you for a memorable day.

Tom C.

Company Name: Big Brother from BBBS of the Greater Twin Cities

BLUE Crew Ticket Program

I just wanted to thank your organization and especially the umpires for a great experience. My “little brother” and I had a great time. It was a lot of fun to go thru the lower levels of Target Field; go thru the dugout to the baseball field itself and see what it is like from the field view. The umpires could not have been more gracious and welcoming. We had an opportunity to ask questions; see the video review booth/process; and see the Twins win a close, exciting game!

Oren S.

Company Name: Big Brother from BBBS of Greater Pittsburgh

BLUE Crew Ticket Program

I am one of the Big Brothers of Pittsburgh volunteers who had the thrill and privilege of participating in the special "UMPS Care" event at PNC Park on Saturday, 30 April. Twelve-year-old Little Brother Thomas and I were selected due to our shared love of this great game. I am not sure which one of us was more delighted with the evening.
The umpires could not have been more welcoming, gracious, friendly, and engaging with us, and they devoted a significant amount of time to talking with us both on the field and in the locker room. They took a special interest in the children, of course, and each gentleman spoke with Thomas about his Little League play, which I know was most gratifying for him.
We had the opportunity to speak at length with Angel Hernandez, Will Little, and Sean Barber. We will now be able to say, "I met and chatted with that fellow!" when we see them at games and on television.
The "goody bags" for both of us were the icing on the cake: thoughtful and generous.
You made one little boy and another little boy at heart very happy. We say thank you and bless you to this outstanding organization!

Joshua L.

Company Name: Big Brother from BBBS San Diego

BLUE Crew Ticket Program

I wanted to take a moment and share my gratitude for making Saturday's game possible. It must be an incredibly long season for everyone and to take time out of your schedule and connect with us on the field. You created an experience that none of us will ever forget.
Bryson is such a good kid and even though he's had a rough few years he continues to try so hard to be a young man of character. We've been matched up since 2009 when he was just barely 10 years old and every year we try to make 2 or 3 Padres games. Normally Bryson is pretty shy but he came alive talking with Mike and Ryan and kept talking about it well into the game. That was great to see.
The thing is that we love baseball but rarely remember the specifics of any one particular game. What we do remember is the impact that people make on our lives. This simple act of kindness will leave a long impression. Thank you for all you do.

Janine C.

Company Name: Recruiter, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids

BLUE Crew Ticket Program

I wanted to send a quick thank you on behalf of the boys and myself. Saturday night I was able to take four boys in foster care to the game and we had a BLAST! The boys all enjoyed being on the field, meeting the UMPS and watching the game. I was also able to have some in depth conversation time that doesn’t always happen from dating to past connections that I am going to look at as adoptive options. We had a great time bonding and really appreciate the opportunity.
Most of the boys were either checked in or changed their profile picture by the end of the 1st inning. Thanks so much!!